The Ten Tors Challenge is an annual event organised by the British Army, bringing together over 2,000 young people aged 14-19 from schools and youth groups across the South West. Teams of 6 must navigate between a series of checkpoints (or “tors”) across Dartmoor, covering distances of 35, 45, or 55 miles over 2 days. A key element is that participants must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all of their food, water, and equipment, while working together to plan routes, battle fatigue, and manage the changeable moorland environment.

 

We spoke to a few Plymouth High students who had taken part: Poppy (9A) and Florentia (9T) both covered 35 miles with their teams, Poppy’s group finishing an impressive 7^th out of 400!  And Carys and Lily (both 10A) who covered 45 miles in their respective teams, Lily with the added responsibility of acting as group team leader.  Here’s what they had to say: 

 

What was the hardest thing to manage (e.g., weather, hunger, tiredness, navigation)?

Poppy – Definitely going up long hills!

Lily – As a team leader, the hardest part was keeping everybody motivated.

Florentia – Managing my type 1 diabetes as it was really difficult to keep my levels up.

Carys - Our team leader unfortunately became ill and had to drop out at Postbridge, meaning we had to really push ourselves to make it to our 7th checkpoint before 10:00pm.

 

What was the best thing you packed, and what did you wish you’d left at home?

Poppy – Sweets, but I wish I had left my coat behind.

Lily – Sweets for energy!  But I shouldn't have taken as much water because it was too much weight in the end.

Florentia – A pot of mandarin segments as they were delicious!  I should have left my porridge at home though, it exploded in my bag and went everywhere!

Carys - Suncream, because I burn so easily. And I wish I hadn't taken quite as many sweets because these were pretty heavy by the end, despite sharing them around! 

 

How would you describe the feeling of crossing the finish line? 

Poppy – It was a wonderful experience, and I was very happy to see my family. 

Lily – Amazing, and although it went very quickly, I was happy to finally put my bag down!

Florentia – Seeing my family and knowing that I did it.  I felt very emotional and proud!

Carys - It's pretty indescribable, but the feeling of knowing that you've completed such a hard challenge and that you've done it with your team is really special.  

Poppy and Lily

 

Florentia

 

Carys

We would like to congratulate all Plymouth High students who took part in this event, and we know there are a lot more of you! You are ALL an inspiration to your peers and a wonderful example of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment, and a readiness to embrace a challenge. It is also worth noting is that Ten Tors came immediately before the start of exam season, making their commitment all the more commendable!

Events like Ten Tors exemplify our school motto – “For life, not school, we learn” – and provide students with a wealth of transferable skills that will serve them long into the future, building confidence and resilience that we enthusiastically encourage at Plymouth High. What an incredible milestone for these girls. The Ten Tors is a demanding challenge, well done to all indeed – Mr Underdown